Lossless classics

All thanks for this gem go to Jean-LucRozhdestvensky is one of the later Soviet conductors who was still young enough to have a lengthy post Soviet career. These Sibelius recordings however date from the 1960s and 70s when he was in his 30s and 40s. They have an original conception even though there can inconsistent orchestral execution. One also has to accept that the Soviet brass sections were always a bit blaring and intrusive. It adds excitement at climaxes but also can upset the musical balance. Bearing that in mind, the interpretations, especially the Symphony 7, deserve to be in the collection of Sibelians. Rozhdestvensky brings an exceptional lyrical impulse to these works…

… combined with a consistent rhythmic impulse which keeps the music from becoming unfocused. As for the Symphony 7 this is one of the most lyrical interpretations I’m aware of and a worthy counterpart to Karajan, Bernstein and Maazel. The opening Adagio is handled with the greatest lyrical sensitivity rather than the ominous ambiance that most other conductors elicit. Rozhdestvensky brings out unsuspected lyrical depths from this material and even the trombone theme seems to come out of swirling mists. The second section which is more scherzo like is also handled gently but now there is an unflagging rhythmic vitality to the phrases. This becomes ever firmer as the music moves into the second scherzo like section and the lyricism begins to fade. Now the music becomes more and more ominous until the trombone theme again breaks out. This time it leads to a shattering climax. Listen also to how deftly Rozhdestvensky segues into the final rising melodic cadence.